Narrative Analysis

by Catherine Kohler Riessman

In recent years, the development of narrative analysis has given life to the study of the narrative as a form of information for social research. This volume, replete with examples and transcriptions from previous narrative studies, is a useful introduction to this growing body of literature. Riessman provides a detailed primer on the use of narrative analysis, its theoretical underpinnings and world view, and the methods it uses.

Genres: Nonfiction, Research, Narrative, Philosophy, Education, Reference

80 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 1993

Reviews

[Kira Brunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. A must-read for social scientists and natural scientists. An excellent introduction both to narrative analysis specifically, but also in appreciating feminist qualitative research methodologies.

[Emma Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for anyone new to narrative analysis, it gives you a good background and how to guide without being hard to read or overly complex.

[Sarah Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Caught in the ‘prison house of language,’ in the words of Nietzsche, there is no way to break through the ideas to which words refer because language is uncommunicative of anything other than itself.”

Pausing briefly while writing a dissertation to appreciate this book. It is beautifully written, which I can’t say is the first description I have for most academic books on data analysis. It is a classic text, some 30 years old, and still the backbone of narrative analysis. So, I am late to the table to sing its praises. But it’s lovely to be late to the table and discover something that still holds its value and influence.
She clearly has spent time considering language, offering wisdom on interpreting texts. With insightful comments on meaning making, and the nuances of interpretation that occurs when conducting analysis on personal narratives. Some excellent quotable moments on identity, and the human need to construct a coherent self through personal narrative. She mentions that her students and colleagues encouraged her to compile her teachings, and I can understand why.

[morbidflight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dense, useful volume about narrative analysis. Includes plenty of examples and quotable moments.